Know about COVID-19
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes the illness is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe illness.
You can be infected by coming into close contact with a person who has the infection. When an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs, you can be infected by respiratory droplets. That is why being 6 feet or 1-2 meters away from others is important these days. You may also be able to get it by touching an object or a surface that has the virus on it. Therefore, avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
Symptoms
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
- Fever
Less common symptoms
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- A rash on the skin
- Discoloration of toes or finger
Serious symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of speech
- Chest pain or pressure
Call for emergency medical attention if you have serious symptoms. People with mild symptoms may manage the symptoms at home. If you don’t have any idea how to manage it, you may ask your doctor for instructions.
Know how to protect yourself and others
- Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
- Wear your face masks and make sure that it covers your mouth and nose in public settings.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60
- % alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes the disease.
Prevent the spread of the disease if you are sick
- Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.
- Stay home if you are sick except to get medical care.
- Avoid public transportation. Taxis or ride-sharing.
- There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 but you can seek medical care to help relieve your symptoms.
- If you need medical attention, call ahead.
Who are at higher risk and know what to do if you are one of the high-risk people
Older adults and people with an underlying medical condition are at a higher risk for COVID-19.
- You need to limit your interactions with other people as much as possible.
- Avoid people who are not wearing masks or ask others around you to wear their masks.
- Keep your tissues, masks, hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) on hand.
- Cancel or delay a visit if you or your visitors have symptoms of COVID-19. The same as well if have you been exposed to someone with the disease in the last 14 days.
- Continue your medicines and do not change your treatment plan without the consent of your doctor.
- You must have at least a 30-day supply of prescription and non-prescription medicines.
